National Education Union Faces Criticism for Promoting Palestinian Cause in Schools

Strategic Insights -

The National Education Union (NEU) has come under fire for holding a workshop to train teachers on how to advocate for Palestine in schools, as part of a broader campaign to promote the Palestinian cause in education. Critics warn that this could breach legislation requiring balanced presentation of opposing views on political issues, and promote pro-Palestine and anti-Israel propaganda in schools.

The NEU-organised workshop, to be held in Liverpool on June 14, is being run by Makan, an educational group that aims to provide "foundational knowledge" on key issues like the Nakba, settler colonialism, and apartheid. Critics fear that this could encourage teachers to spread one-sided information about the conflict in Gaza, and ignite a heated debate on the sensitive topic of Israel and Palestine.

The legal charity UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has called on the Department for Education and local councils to crack down on what it says is the promotion of pro-Palestine and anti-Israel propaganda in schools. Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, stated that "The NEU appears to be defying government guidelines on political impartiality in schools, by persuading teachers to brainwash children into supporting the Palestinian cause." Many Jews say accusations of settler colonialism, apartheid, and genocide levelled at Israel by some NEU activists are anti-Semitic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Education Union (NEU) is holding a workshop to train teachers on how to advocate for Palestine in schools, to be held in Liverpool on June 14.
  • The workshop is being run by Makan, an educational group that aims to provide "foundational knowledge" on key issues like the Nakba, settler colonialism, and apartheid.
  • Critics warn that this could breach legislation requiring balanced presentation of opposing views on political issues, and promote pro-Palestine and anti-Israel propaganda in schools.
  • Many Jews say accusations of settler colonialism, apartheid, and genocide levelled at Israel by some NEU activists are anti-Semitic.
  • The NEU has defended its members taking part in actions of support for the Palestinian cause, stating that the workshop is aimed at supporting pupils or staff directly impacted by the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
  • The union has rejected claims that its members are promoting partisan political views in schools, and says it teaches political subjects in a balanced manner.
  • The NEU is also advocating for a day of action in schools on May 20, to highlight "the Palestinian struggle for freedom".
  • Several British trade unions have backed the day of action, which is to be observed on the 77th anniversary of the Nakba.
  • Louise Regan, an executive member of the NEU, is also a director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
  • Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU, is due to address a national demonstration in London on Saturday, commemorating the anniversary of the Nakba.

Statistics:

  • The workshop is to be held on June 14 in Liverpool.
  • The NEU has defended its members taking part in actions of support for the Palestinian cause.
  • The NEU is advocating for a day of action in schools on May 20.
  • Several British trade unions have backed the day of action.
  • The NEU has rejected claims that its members are promoting partisan political views in schools.

Sources:

  • Byline: Patrick Sawer, Senior News Reporter
  • Britain's biggest teaching union is coaching its members on how to bring the "Palestinian struggle" into schools (The Telegraph)
  • National Education Union organizing a workshop for teachers on how to advocate for Palestine in schools (The Guardian)
  • UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) calls on Department for Education and local councils to crack down on pro-Palestine and anti-Israel propaganda in schools (UK Lawyers for Israel)
  • Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, stated that "The NEU appears to be defying government guidelines on political impartiality in schools, by persuading teachers to brainwash children into supporting the Palestinian cause." (The Telegraph)
  • Makan, an educational group that aims to provide "foundational knowledge" on key issues like the Nakba, settler colonialism, and apartheid (Makan website)
  • The NEU has defended its members taking part in actions of support for the Palestinian cause (The Guardian)
  • Several British trade unions have backed the day of action, which is to be observed on the 77th anniversary of the Nakba (The Telegraph)